Scarcity has been such a constant in education for so long that self-sufficient teachers routinely purchase classroom supplies at their own expense. Sometimes desperate measures are needed to obtain even the most basic equipment. But beyond the lack of material resources are more serious conditions that create an atmosphere of famine, turning teachers' thoughts from success to self-preservation or simply survival. Teachers endure low salaries and low status, even in good economic times. In this article, the author provides ideas on how principals could use the four "R's" in countering teachers' ordeal. These include recognition, relationships, rewards, and rituals.